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Flavorful Cajun Chicken Alfredo Penne

Cajun chicken Alfredo penne - featured image
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A quick and easy creamy pasta dinner featuring smoky, spicy Cajun chicken combined with a rich Alfredo sauce and penne pasta. Perfect for cozy weeknights with a balanced bold flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • 12 oz penne pasta (regular or whole wheat)
  • Salt, for boiling water
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 11 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
  2. Toss the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked through and browned. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add butter. When melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and stir, scraping any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
  5. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce turns silky. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. If sauce gets too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen it.
  6. Add cooked penne and Cajun chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Cook together for 1-2 minutes so flavors blend and everything is heated through.
  7. Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Optionally, add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to ensure proper browning. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth sauce. Watch garlic carefully to avoid burning. Adjust sauce thickness with reserved pasta water. Season pasta water well. Let cooked chicken rest a few minutes if possible. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. For gluten-free, use gluten-free penne pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken, Alfredo sauce, penne pasta, creamy pasta, spicy pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/flavorful-cajun-chicken-alfredo-penne-recipe-easy-creamy-pasta-dinner-idea/